Regional oximetry sleeve for mobile device

ABSTRACT

A system includes a mobile computing device, a sleeve, a contact surface, a sensor module, and a telemetry module. The mobile computing device has a first processor within a housing. The sleeve has an internal surface configured to fit the housing. The contact surface is disposed on an external surface of the sleeve. The sensor module is coupled to the contact surface and is configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to a measured physiological parameter associated with tissue at the contact surface. The telemetry module is coupled to the sensor module and is configured to communicate data corresponding to the electrical signal to the mobile computing device.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a divisional of and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/082,950,filed on Nov. 18, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference hereinin its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A measure of regional oximetry can provide an indication as to tissuehealth. Existing technology for measuring regional oximetry isinadequate. One example includes an optical sensor coupled by a wire toa separate processing module. The sensor may be secured to the patientby an adhesive or by a strap encircling the patient and is tethered bywire to the processing module.

This arrangement of a sensor and a processor module with a connectingwire is unsatisfactory for certain applications. For example, in anemergency situation or a battlefield environment, the separate nature ofthe modules and the connecting wire can be inconvenient and may be proneto failure.

OVERVIEW

The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that aproblem to be solved can include providing a system for measuringregional oximetry based on a rapidly established temporary coupling tothe tissue and using a mobile computing device. The present subjectmatter can help provide a solution to this problem, such as by a systemincluding a sensor module that can be coupled to a mobile device andmanually positioned at a tissue site. The mobile device can displayresults and can communicate the data to a remote device using wirelesscommunication.

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter ofthe present patent application. It is not intended to provide anexclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detaileddescription is included to provide further information about the presentpatent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1A illustrates a view of a sleeve and mobile computing device,according to one example.

FIG. 1B illustrates a view of a sleeve, according to one example.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of a sleeve with tissue, according to oneexample.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a system, according to oneexample.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a system, according to one example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A illustrates a view of system 100A. including sleeve 120A andmobile computing device 50A, according to one example. Mobile computingdevice 50A includes user interface 60A, here shown as a touch-screenconfigured for displaying data and for receiving user input. Mobilecomputing device 50A includes housing 55A having an outer dimension thatcan be characterized as a length, a width, or a thickness. Mobilecomputing device 50A can include a cellular telephone (such as asmart-phone), a mini computer, or a tablet computer.

Sleeve 120A has inner surface 122A configured to receive housing 55A.Sleeve 120A can include a rubber molded component or a plastic componenthaving an inner surface configured to securely couple with mobilecomputing device 50A and to provide physical protection to mobilecomputing device 50A.

FIG. 1B illustrates a view of sleeve 120B, according to one example.Sleeve 120B includes inner surface 122B configured to mate with anexternal dimension of a mobile computing device. Sleeve 120B includescontact surface 130A. Contact surface 130A has a sensor module includingemitter 138A and emitter 138B. Emitter 138A emits light that is receivedby detector 136A along short pathway 140A and light that is received bydetector 136B along long pathway 142B. Emitter 138B emits light that isreceived by detector 136B along short pathway 140B and light that isreceived by detector 136A along long pathway 142A, Light received bydetector 136A and detector 136B, using the combination of long pathway142A, long pathway 142B, short pathway 140A, and short pathway 140B canbe processed to generate a measure of regional oximetry (also calledtissue oximetry). In one example, the calculation entails addition andsubtraction of attenuations as detected by detector 136A and detector136B. Detector 136A and detector 136B can include an optical transducerthat provides an electrical signal corresponding to detected light.

The arrangement of optical elements (such as emitter 138A, emitter 138B,detector 136A, and detector 136B) and the number of optical elements (ortransducers) can be configured for a particular purpose. In one example,contact surface 130A is arranged such that emitter 138A and emitter 138Bare at opposing ends and detector 136A and detector 136B are locatedthere between.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of sleeve 120C with tissue 20, according toone example. Sleeve 120C includes an inner surface 122C configured toreceive a mobile computing device. Sleeve 120C includes contact surface130B. Contact surface 130B includes a sensor module configured togenerate data as to tissue 20 in contact with contact surface 130B. Inthe example illustrated, tissue 20 is urged against contact surface 130Bwith sufficient force, as shown at arrows A, to deflect a complaintsurface of contact surface 130B. As shown, contact surface 130B has aprofile as indicated at 70 at a time before tissue 20 is urged intocontact surface 130B. Strap 40 is affixed to sleeve 120C and encircles aportion of tissue 20, here shown as a section view of a limb (such as anarm or a leg). Strap 40, in one example includes a band or strap toretain tissue 20 and contact surface 130B in close proximity. In oneexample, contact surface 130B has a pre-formed contour that conforms totissue 20.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of system 100B, according to oneexample. System 100B includes sleeve 120D and mobile computing device50B. Sleeve 120D includes sensor module 134, processor 310, memory 315,telemetry module 320, and power supply 305.

Power supply 305 can include a battery and circuitry for regulatingpower or for charging a battery. In one example, power 305 deriveselectrical energy from a wired coupling with power supply 355 of mobilecomputing device 50B, as shown by link 390. Power supply 305 is coupledto sensor module 134, processor 310, and telemetry module 320.

Sensor module 134 can include a one or more optical detectors (such asdetector 136A or detector 136B), one or more optical emitters (such asemitter 138A and emitter 138B), a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor,or an accelerometer. In various examples, a sensor can be referred to asa transducer.

Processor 310, along with measured data from sensor module 134, canprovide a variety of blood and tissue measurements. For example, asuitable algorithm and a sensor can be configured to provide data as tothe following parameters or conditions:

-   -   Regional saturation (rSO2)    -   Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in tissue    -   Tissue temperature    -   SpO₂    -   Total hemoglobin (tHb)    -   Hematocrit    -   Anemia    -   CO₂    -   COHb    -   MetHb    -   pH    -   Respiration    -   Perfusion    -   Apnea    -   Pulse wave velocity    -   Blood pressure    -   Interstitial pressure    -   Arterial stiffness    -   Intracranial Pressure    -   Intrauterine pressure/contractions    -   Glucose    -   Cardiac output    -   Bilirubin    -   Hydration    -   Hematoma    -   Vascular compliance    -   Tissue viability    -   Malaria    -   Blood cancer    -   Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)    -   Sepsis    -   Thrombosis    -   Compartment syndrome

In addition, a suitable algorithm and sensor module can provide data asto a material property of an object or as to a surface. This can includeprocessing based on data corresponding to an optical measurement, amechanical measurement, an acoustic measurement, or an electricalmeasurement. For example, data can correspond to an event counter, anevent marker (time mark), a density measurement, a conductivitymeasurement, a concentration measurement, a color measurement, or alight level measurement.

Processor 310 can include a digital processor or an analog processorcircuit. In one example, processor 310 includes a microprocessor. In theexample shown, processor 310 is coupled to memory 315 and processor 310is configured to execute instructions to implement an algorithm asdescribed elsewhere in this document. In one example, memory 315 isconfigured to store data generated by sensor module 134 or configured tostore calibration information for sensor module 134.

Processor 310 is coupled to telemetry module 320. In one example,telemetry module 320 includes a wired connection with a correspondingtelemetry module 360 of mobile computing device 50B, as shown at link380. In one example, telemetry module 320 communicates with telemetrymodule 360 by a wireless channel, as depicted by antenna 325 and antenna365, shown at link 370. In one example, link 370 includes a radiofrequency communication channel, one example of which is known commonlyas Bluetooth. In other examples, link 370 includes an infraredcommunication channel, a near-field inductive coupling, or an ultrasonic(or acoustic) coupling.

Mobile computing device 50B includes I/O module 60B coupled to telephonemodule 330. I/O module 60B can include a touch-sensitive screenconfigured to receive user-entered data or keystrokes and configured todisplay visual data. Telephone module 330 can include a cellulartelephone module, a text message module, or other wireless communicationmodule. Telephone module 330 can allow data exchange with a cloud-basedserver or storage facility. Telephone module 330 is coupled to processor340. Processor 340 is coupled to memory 345 and coupled to telemetrymodule 360. Mobile computing device 50B includes power 355 coupled totelephone module 330, processor 340, and telemetry module 360.

FIG. 4 illustrates flow chart 400 implemented by a system, according toone example. Flow chart 400 includes, at 410, pairing communicationmodules. In one example, this entails establishing a wireless linkbetween telemetry module 320 (and using antenna 325) and telemetrymodule 360 (and using antenna 365) in a process known as pairing.Pairing can include exchanging access credentials and coordinatinghandshaking protocols, Some communication protocols, such as Bluetooth,are paired by executing a predetermined algorithm.

At 420, method 400 includes executing instructions to generate ameasured signal using sensor module 134. This can include executinginstructions (stored in memory 315) using processor 310 to implement analgorithm. The algorithm can entail operating an emitter (such asemitter 138A or emitter 138B) according to a particular protocol andreceiving an output signal from a detector (such as detector 136A ordetector 136B). In one example, this can include receiving a temperaturesignal from a temperature transducer.

At 430, method 400 includes communicating the measured signal to themobile computing device. Communicating can include sending and receivinga wireless signal (using wireless telemetry modules) or can includecommunicating using a wired connection between the sleeve and the mobilecomputing device.

At 440, method 400 includes executing instructions using processor 340to generate a visible display of data. The data can be displayed on userinterface 60A or on I/O module 60B.

Various Notes & Examples

Example 1 can include a system having a mobile computing device, asleeve, a contact surface, a sensor module, and a telemetry module. Themobile computing device can include a first processor within a housing.The sleeve can include an internal surface configured to fit thehousing. The contact surface can include an external surface of thesleeve. The sensor module is coupled to the contact surface and can beconfigured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to a measuredphysiological parameter associated with tissue at the contact surface.The telemetry module can be coupled to the sensor module and configuredto communicate data corresponding to the electrical signal to the mobilecomputing device.

Example 2 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 1 to optionally include wherein the mobile computingdevice includes a smart telephone.

Example 3 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 1 to optionally include wherein the contact surfaceincludes a compliant member, the compliant member configured to conformto a tissue contour.

Example 4 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 1 to optionally include wherein the contact surfacehas a curved contour.

Example 5 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 1 to optionally include wherein the contact surfaceincludes a non-stick surface.

Example 6 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 1 to optionally include wherein the electrical signalcorresponds to regional oximetry.

Example 7 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 1 to optionally include wherein the sensor moduleincludes at least two optical detectors and wherein the electricalsignal is determined by a combination of the at least two opticaldetectors.

Example 8 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 1 to optionally include wherein the sensor module iscoupled to a battery.

Example 9 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 1 to optionally include a second processor coupled tothe sensor module, the second processor configured to generate the data.

Example 10 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 1 to optionally include wherein the telemetry moduleincludes a wireless transceiver.

Example 11 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 1 to optionally include wherein the mobile computingdevice is configured to execute instructions to communicate with aremote device.

Example 12 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 1 to optionally include wherein the mobile computingdevice is configured to execute instructions to communicate with aremote device in near real-time.

Example 13 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 1 to optionally include wherein the housing includes aretention strap.

Example 14 can include a device having a sleeve, a contact surface, asensor module, and a telemetry module. The sleeve can have an internalsurface configured to fit an external dimension of a mobile computingdevice. The contact surface is on an external surface of the sleeve. Thesensor module is coupled to the contact surface and configured togenerate an electrical signal corresponding to a measured physiologicalparameter associated with tissue at the contact surface. The telemetrymodule is coupled to the sensor module and configured to communicatedata corresponding to the electrical signal to the mobile computingdevice.

Example 15 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 14 to optionally include wherein the sleeve includes arubber housing.

Example 16 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 14 to optionally include wherein the electrical signalcorresponds to regional oximetry.

Example 17 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 14 to optionally include wherein the telemetry moduleincludes a radio frequency transceiver.

Example 18 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 14 to optionally include a battery coupled to at leastone of the sensor module and the telemetry module.

Example 19 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 14 to optionally include wherein the sensor moduleincludes at least two optical detectors.

Example 20 can include a method including pairing a first communicationmodule of a mobile computing device with a second communication moduleof a sleeve. The mobile computing device is configured to fit aninternal surface of the sleeve. The sleeve has a sleeve processorcoupled to a sleeve memory and the sleeve has a contact surface. Themethod includes executing instructions using the sleeve processor. Theinstructions are stored on the sleeve memory. The instructions areconfigured to generate a measured signal using an optical sensor coupledto the contact surface. The measured signal corresponds to a tissue atthe contact surface, The method includes communicating the measuredsignal from the sleeve to the mobile computing device using the firstcommunication module and using the second communication module. Themethod includes executing instructions using the device processor togenerate display data for a display of the mobile computing device.

Example 21 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 20 to optionally include wherein executing theinstructions using the sleeve processor includes calculating atemperature using a temperature transducer.

Example 22 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 20 to optionally include wherein executing theinstructions using the sleeve processor includes emitting light from theoptical sensor.

Example 23 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 20 to optionally include wherein executing theinstructions using the sleeve processor includes calculating regionaloximetry.

Example 24 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 20 to optionally include displaying regional oximetrydata based on the display data using the display.

Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can becombined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of theother examples.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred toherein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition tothose shown or described. However, the present inventors alsocontemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described areprovided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examplesusing any combination or permutation of those elements shown ordescribed (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to aparticular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect toother examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or describedherein.

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and anydocuments so incorporated by reference, the usage in this documentcontrols.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” in thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms“including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device,article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements inaddition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemedto fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the followingclaims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merelyas labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements ontheir objects.

Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implementedat least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable mediumor machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable toconfigure an electronic device to perform methods as described in theabove examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, suchas microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, orthe like. Such code can include computer readable instructions forperforming various methods. The code may form portions of computerprogram products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangiblystored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangiblecomputer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times.Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but arenot limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable opticaldisks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes,memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMS), read onlymemories (ROMs), and the like.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to complywith 37 CFR. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description,various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure.This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosedfeature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter maylie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment.Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on itsown as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that suchembodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations orpermutations. The scope of the invention should be determined withreference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

The claimed invention is:
 1. A method comprising: pairing a firstcommunication module of a mobile computing device with a secondcommunication module of a sleeve, the mobile computing device configuredto fit an internal surface of the sleeve, the sleeve having a sleeveprocessor coupled to a sleeve memory and the sleeve having a contactsurface; executing instructions using the sleeve processor, theinstructions stored on the sleeve memory, the instructions configured togenerate a measured signal using an optical sensor coupled to thecontact surface, the measured signal corresponding to a tissue at thecontact surface; communicating the measured signal from the sleeve tothe mobile computing device using the first communication module andusing the second communication module; and executing instructions usingthe device processor to generate display data for a display of themobile computing device.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein executing theinstructions using the sleeve processor includes calculating atemperature using a temperature transducer.
 3. The method of claim 1wherein executing the instructions using the sleeve processor includesemitting light from the optical sensor.
 4. The method of claim 1 whereinexecuting instructions using the sleeve processor includes calculatingregional oximetry.
 5. The method of claim 1 further including displayingregional oximetry data based on the display data using the display.